2 hours ago
2
Gary Lineker has been forced to issue a grovelling apology to former Chelsea target Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker has become one of the most sought-after forwards in European football over recent seasons.
Chelsea, Manchester United and other Premier League rivals have been among the sides to be linked with him. There was suggestion that they could revive their interest in the most recent window.
In the end, both bolstered their frontlines with alternative signings, with Osimhen eventually completing a permanent move to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
He has since continued his eye-catching goalscoring, his latest strike being the winning goal against Liverpool in the Champions League.
And that has led to Alan Shearer expressing his surprise that there wasn’t more interest in his services.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, he said: “When you look at the deal that have been done this summer in terms of centre-forwards, with Gyokeres, with Sesko, with Woltemade.
“I was really surprised that no one took a punt on him. Joao Pedro going to Chelsea. Delap going to Chelsea.”
Pedro and Delap cost Chelsea a combined £90m this summer, with the latter arriving from Ipswich for £30m before suffering a hamstring injury last month, while the former was £60m as he joined from Brighton.
Meanwhile, Lineker has apologised to Osimhen for not quite appreciating the full extent of his talents.
He added: “I remember I intimated that perhaps he – I heard a rumour that he goes missing sometimes, and I believe that is actually completely not the case.
“I’m sorry about that. You shouldn’t spout rumours on these things. My bad, my bad on that.”
Shearer then once again expressed his confusion at the lack of competition Galatasaray faced in attempting to sign Osimhen. He said: “Whether it was anything to do with salary, whether it’s agent fees or whatever, Galatasaray, they broke their record for him.
“I mean, they paid what, €75million I think for him, which is £60million. When you think in the grand scheme of things, with what’s being paid for other strikers, with his record – I mean his record is fantastic. I was surprised.”
Lineker replied: “I saw him play against Leicester in the competition a few years ago, in Europe, and he was exceptional. You really get a feel for somebody when you’re in a stadium. He’s quick, he’s tall, he’s a good finisher, he’s brilliant in the air, he’s a hell of a player.”
Osimhen initially joined Galatasaray on loan last season after falling out with parent side Napoli. He scored a record 37 goals in all competitions ahead of his permanent move. The forward has three goals in five appearances so far this term.
Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Chelsea stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!
Click this link to follow the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel, where you'll be kept up to date on the latest Blues news wherever you are.
Just remember to turn on the notifications once you've followed, and you won't miss a beat!
English (US) ·